Travel Guide Mongolia - Country Information

Coordinates: 46 00 N, 105 00 E
Population: 2,832,224 (July 2006 est.)
Religions: Buddhist Lamaist 50%, none 40%, Shamanist and Christian 6%, Muslim 4% (2004)
Languages: Khalkha Mongol 90%, Turkic, Russian (1999)
Climate: desert; continental (large daily and seasonal temperature ranges)
Elevation: lowest point: Hoh Nuur 518 m / highest point: Nayramadlin Orgil (Huyten Orgil) 4,374 m
Hazards: dust storms, grassland and forest fires, drought, and "zud," which is harsh winter conditions
Background Mongolia: The Mongols gained fame in the 13th century when under Chinggis KHAN they conquered a huge Eurasian empire. After his death the empire was divided into several powerful Mongol states, but these broke apart in the 14th century. The Mongols eventually retired to their original steppe homelands and later came under Chinese rule. Mongolia won its independence in 1921 with Soviet backing. A Communist regime was installed in 1924. The ex-Communist Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) won elections in 1990 and 1992, but was defeated by the Democratic Union Coalition (DUC) in the 1996 parliamentary election. Since then, parliamentary elections returned the MPRP overwhelmingly to power in 2000 and produced a coalition government in 2004.

Summary of recommendations:All travelers should visit either their personal physician or a travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure.
Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A	Recommended for all travelers
Typhoid	Recommended for all travelers
Japanese encephalitis	For long-term (>1 month) travelers to rural areas or travelers who may engage in extensive unprotected outdoor activities in rural areas, especially after dusk
Hepatitis B	For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months
Meningococcal	Recommended for longer visits, especially if prolonged contact with the populace is likely
Rabies	For travelers who may have direct contact with animals and may not have access to medical care
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)	Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given
Tetanus-diphtheria	Revaccination recommended every 10 years